Final Stage is a classic/power metal band from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. With three albums, nearly one-hundred shows and much critical acclaim from the around the world, the band remains dedicated to crafting catchy and hard-hitting melodic heavy metal. The roots for what would become Final Stage were laid in 2004 under the name Ignite, playing cover songs from bands including Accept, Skid Row, Metallica, and Judas Priest. Under this line-up the band performed across the county for over a year. The band eventually split up, with the drummer and lead guitarist leaving to pursue other interests.
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Founding members Brandon Wright (Guitar/Vocals) and Josh Kurkjian (Bass) stumbled upon drummer TJ Dowhaniuk in October 2005 and the band would regroup as Final Stage, focusing on writing original material. As a 3-piece FS wrote several songs together and would perform live with the acclaimed modern rock band The Black Maria. In May 2006 the group entered Spectre Sound Studios to record a 4-song EP entitled Flight of the Phoenix. Released in August 2006, the band received worldwide praise from dozens of publications and airplay from nearly every continent (notably an 11/12 in Heavy! Magazine, among many others).
In early 2007 TJ left the group, being replaced by Justin Humphrey, who marked his first show with the group by opening for Iron Maiden legend Paul Dianno. May 2007 marked Final Stage's return to the studio once again to record a full length follow up to Flight of the Phoenix. The new CD Through the Mirror was released on November 30th 2007 and is available at several retailers worldwide. In June 2008, Infidel was featured in Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles Knuckletracks sampler in BWBK Vol 110.
In 2009 Justin left the band, which saw the return of TJ Dowhaniuk behind the kit. That summer, the group would go on to open for thrash groups Toxic Holocaust and Ravage. In 2010 FS added bassist Neil Tupling, allowing Josh to become the group's second guitarist, adding much depth to the Final Stage's overall live sound.
The band continued writing and by July 2010, they again took to Spectre Sound to record their third album "Game Over", which was released on August 21st 2010. The album features guest performances by TNT/Siam/Shy singer Tony Mills and Betrayer vocalists / guitarist Jeff Klingbeil, as well as 5 live tracks recorded at Windsor's long-standing metal establishment, The Coach and Horses.
In May 2011, Final Stage would open up for Canadian thrash legends Anvil. In November 2011, Neil Tupling left the band because of personal obligations, and was replaced by Chris Wilbur. Boasting a top-notch production and a multiplying fan base, Final Stage is ready to explode.